Author: Michelle Yost

Library Systems Migration

The Library is preparing for a major systems change that will update and consolidate much of our back-end technology and provide a single centralized interface, Primo, replacing both HopeCat and the MightyFind.  This new interface will go live in mid-July. Knowing you will have questions about how this impacts your work we made an information page to answer some of those FAQs.

Included is information on:

  • Important dates to keep in mind
    • Return all Beardslee Library materials to WTS by Friday, May 4
    • Export your HopeCat Reading History list before July 1 if desired
    • HopeCat will be down July 1-16 – Research and Instruction librarians will be happy to work with you to ensure your research continues with as little interruption as possible.
    • Our new system goes live July 17!
    • Update links any links to HopeCat records in Moodle and/or your syllabi after July 17.
  • Online tutorials and in-person workshops this summer
  • Impact on summer research plans
  • Impact on fall course preparation
  • Focus group opportunities for faculty and staff

MeLCat continues to be unavailable to the Hope community until some time in September. In the meantime there are many other ways to request material from other libraries. See our blog post here.

The Library staff has been working hard on this transition and we are excited share it with you!

MeLCat down beginning March 1

In July 2018 the library will be launching a new discovery system. This system (replacing both The MightyFind and HopeCat) will provide a user-centered, single-search system with greatly enhanced functionality.

As part of this launch we need to suspend MeLCat borrowing effective Thursday, March 1.  The good news is there’s no need to panic!  We will do our best to get you the exact same material just as quickly.

There are a few ways to request material from other libraries. When searching in HopeCat, look for the “Find in WorldCat” buttons where you would usually see MelCat icons:

This button will take you to the WorldCat catalog. Click on the title that interests you, and then select the “Request Item through InterLibrary Loan” button.  Enter your name and email address, and voila!  Your request is submitted.  You will receive an email when the item arrives at the library.

If you are really missing MeLCat and have a Herrick District Library card, you can use MeLCat there.  Go to MeLCat and search for your item as usual.  Once you click “get this for me”, choose Herrick District Library instead of Hope College from the drop down menu.  You will pick up any requested MeLCat material at Herrick, a 5 minute walk from Van Wylen. Please note you cannot borrow A/V material (CDs, DVDs, etc.) through Herrick. You will not be able to use your Hope ID to check out Herrick materials during this downtime.

FAQs:

I already have a MeLCat item checked out or in transit to Hope. What does this mean for me? You can use the item as usual! Please return the material when it is due. If you need the material longer please request a new copy via WorldCat using the instructions above and return the MeLCat copy when you receive the newer one.

I have a guest card for Van Wylen Library. How can I get items I would normally get through MeLCat? During our downtime you may use WorldCat and if we can fill your request from a Michigan library we will! If there are no state-wide copies available we will contact you and let you know.

When will MeLCat be available again at Hope? We anticipate regaining access to MeLCat at the end of August/early September. Ideally, we’ll be ready to go again once the Fall 2018 semester starts!

This is all very confusing. Who can I ask about this? Email Michelle Yost at ill@hope.edu or stop in at the Research Help Desk.

We appreciate your flexibility as we work to make your library experience the best it can be!

Hope College Digital Commons Redesign

The Digital Commons @ Hope College institutional repository, a digital collection of scholarship, creative work, and history at Hope College, was recently redesigned with a fresh new look and renamed.  Digital Commons @ Hope College is now Hope College Digital Commons!  

 

(Please note: It may be necessary for you to clear your web browser’s cache to view the new site correctly.)

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Hope College Digital Commons promotes discovery and research, and helps to highlight the scholarly output and history of the college, by providing open access to a wide range of resources created by Hope faculty, students, and staff.  Resources include faculty publications and presentations, college publications, and materials from the Joint Archives of Holland.  

 

Visit the repository to:

    

 

If you are faculty member and interested in making your scholarly work accessible in Hope College Digital Commons, visit this LibGuide for further information.

 

Please contact digitalcommons@hope.edu if you have any questions.

 

Jeremy Barney

Metadata and Digital Collections Librarian

Off-campus Access to Library Resources: Adding our Proxy Prefix

Libraries use two main methods to authenticate off-campus users: WAM and EZproxy.  WAM links look like:

http://0-www.lexisnexis.com.lib.hope.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/?verb=sr&csi=8006

While EZproxy links look like:

https://login.ezproxy.hope.edu/login?url=http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/lnacademic/?verb=sr&csi=8006

During the summer of 2016, our library switched from WAM to EZproxy. While we have updated links on our end, if you have any library links in Moodle, your syllabus, or other learning objects that start with “http://0-” please update them or ask a librarian for a new link. Librarians are here to help!

Our EXProxy prefix is https://login.ezproxy.hope.edu/login?url=. To keep this prefix at your fingertips (!) you could download a macro program like AutoHotKey and create a macro or simply link to our fantastic off-campus link generator.

Lastly, if you would like a librarian to review your links/resources to make sure they are linked correctly and that we hold the appropriate permissions for use in your course, please let us know by completing this brief form.

Thank you for using library resources!

 

Jenifer Holman

Electronic Resources Librarian

iHope for Spring 2018

You may have seen our display, “I Hope…”, asking what you wish for 2018. As we turn to a new year what do you hope to do in the Library this semester?

Perhaps you want to meet with a Research and Instruction Librarian about a research paper this semester.

Maybe you want to finally learn how to use iMovie with the help of the TechLab.

It could be that you’re looking for a good spot to keep your head down and study for Calculus or English class.  Great news — we have four new student study rooms on the 3rd floor overlooking College Ave!

Faculty, perhaps this is the year you submit your publication information to our Digital Commons repository!

Maybe your goal is simply to check out a book, DVD or CD  from Van Wylen!

Perhaps this is the semester you find articles and books from other libraries for your paper or project. Don’t forget to plan ahead!

Whatever your goal, we’re here to help!